City leaders hailed the launch of Delta Air Lines’ most requested flight route by its passengers. Flight 185 connects Hartsfield-Jackson to one of the largest commercial centers in China.
The new nonstop service to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) complements Delta’s existing flights between ATL and the two largest Asian markets, Tokyo and Seoul. As the only flight to Shanghai from the Southeast region, it will connect travelers to more than 70 destinations in China and increase trade.
City of Atlanta officials said the twice-daily service between ATL and PVG is a bold statement about ATL’s intent to remain at the forefront of national and international travel.
“It is our hope that by growing our international connections, we will continue to build and contribute to a productive global conversation that enhances peace, stability and equality around the globe,” said Marva Lewis, City of Atlanta chief of staff.
This week, ATL officials will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Shanghai Airport Authority, which represents Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). This is the sixth sister airport agreement that ATL officials have signed with international airports. ATL also launched the WeChat microsite in the Asia-Pacific market, allowing Hartsfield-Jackson to reach nearly 1 billion monthly users. Considered a hybrid of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, the all-in-one messenger will open social conversation around travel, international accommodations and passenger services, as well as available food, beverage and retail options in the Asia-Pacific market.
By Anika Robertson Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager
Airport leaders preparing for self-driving cars, virtual reality and artificial intelligence gathered to share what’s in store for passengers in the not-so-distant future as Hartsfield-Jackson hosted the fourth annual AAAE Airport Innovation Forum July 16-18.
“Long before Hartsfield-Jackson became the world’s busiest airport, or most efficient airport, or the best airport for dining and shopping, it was a hub of innovation,” interim Airport General Manager Balram “B” Bheodari told attendees at the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta during the July 17 welcome.
Bheodari said Hartsfield-Jackson remains on the forefront of change since ATL’s revolutionary design of its passenger terminal in 1980. Nearly 40 years later, he said, the Airport continues to search for new ways to enhance operational efficiencies and improve the customer experience.
With 220 attendees, the conference held sessions featuring “smart” technology in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, biometrics lessons and even an Airport Shark Tank.
During the forum’s opening keynote, emerging technology expert and author Ian Khan stressed that airports must activate a value-creation attitude.
“We always talk about the future as if it is not here yet … the future is tomorrow,” Khan said to industry executives. “All of you here are creating and making decisions that will shape everything that will happen in your facilities and in your world tomorrow. “
The three-time TEDx speaker is convinced that robots, big data and automation will drive the future.
ATL Innovation and Performance Manager Dawn Gregory said the Airport’s innovative ideas can emerge from a host of sources.
“What I’ve tried to do is create an ecosystem of collaborators ranging from incubators, educational institutions … and organizations to keep a pulse check of what’s going on,” Gregory said during the airport roundtable.
ATL’s innovation team is exploring multimodal transportation connections throughout the up-and-coming Aerotropolis Atlanta, augmented reality for vision-impaired passengers, and vertical takeoff and landing of aircraft, which Uber Air is developing.
Innovation, Bheodari said, questions conventional wisdom, seeks solutions and “inspires us to look beyond what is, to imagine what is possible.”
“We must look out on the horizon,” he said, “and explore ways to deliver new value to our customers.”
In the shade of a colossal U.S. flag hung from the Domestic Terminal atrium, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport kicked off its fourth annual “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Flying” campaign June 28.
The pre-Independence Day celebration, which ran simultaneously with a press conference at the International Terminal, saluted active military service members and honored veterans with a pinning ceremony.
“This celebration promises pomp and patriotism, but it’s also a sober reminder that our nation still faces conflicts across the globe, with our brave men and women in uniform fighting to defend our freedom,” Airport Senior Deputy General Manager Michael Smith said before an audience of veterans, dignitaries, guests and employees.
Smith was joined at the podium by retired Maj. Gen. David Bockel, Col. Scott Allen and Mary Lou Austin, CEO and president of USO Georgia.
“Through times of peace and times of conflict, the USO at Hartsfield-Jackson has proudly served as a place of respite, where service members and their families are welcomed, respected and appreciated,” Smith said.
The USO center at Hartsfield-Jackson, established in 1977, was the first center to open inside a U.S. airport. Today, USO Georgia serves more than 10 million men and women.
“Georgia is the 10th most patriotic state,” said Austin, citing a newly released study. “Well, I am proclaiming today that the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the most patriotic airport.”
Bockel recognized Hartsfield-Jackson for its role in transporting U.S. soldiers during the holidays. He recounted the story of a Vietnam War soldier who, with the help of Delta Air Lines in Atlanta, made it home for Christmas in 1967, a time when major air carriers had difficulty taking flights from Vietnam.
“I can live in peace and harmony in my land because of the men and women who are willing to do this for America,” USO member Pat Solomon said. “And I thank each and every one who ever put on a uniform.”
Throughout the week, ATL volunteers will distribute glow sticks that illuminate in red, white and blue while Airport musicians pay tribute with patriotic tunes.
Meanwhile, on the International Terminal, the celebration had a distinctly global flair.
Interim Deputy General Manager and Chief Financial Officer Greg Richardson welcomed members of the Georgia Consular Corps. The ceremony included representatives from India, Canada, Ecuador, Haiti, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, Israel and Jamaica.
These Consular Corps members provided floral arrangements and presented Director of International Affairs Alrene Barr with letters congratulating the United States on its Independence Day. The floral arrangements will be displayed in the International Terminal throughout the week. El Salvador, whose dignitary was unable to attend the ceremony, provided an arrangement as well.
As was the case in the Domestic Terminal, Richardson led a pinning ceremony of military veterans.
“When you see this pin,” Richardson said, “know that your service to the nation is deeply appreciated. We thank you.”
Senior Public Relations Manager Shane Blatt contributed to this report.
The Caribbean Dancers of Atlanta move to the beat June 22. Photo by Devin Pascoe
By Anika Robertson Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager
Hartsfield-Jackson hosted a festive tribute with food and fanfare June 22 to celebrate Caribbean-American Heritage Month.
The rich heritage and significant contributions of Caribbean people runs the gamut, with noteworthy achievements in the arts, music, education, commerce, science, sports and food, Director of International Affairs Alrene Barr told dozens gathered for the third annual event at the International Terminal.
“Beyond its distinctive culture and world-class cuisine, calling attention to Caribbean heritage is important for another reason,” the Jamaica native said. “Hartsfield-Jackson has some 32 flights a day to the Caribbean, making it an important regional destination. We will continue to work with our airline partners to build air service to this region.”
Barr and other ATL staff welcomed Georgia Consular Corps members and other dignitaries of Caribbean descent, who shared the distinctiveness of their homelands and urged travelers to visit.
Attending members included Astra Armbrister-Rolle, consul general of the Bahamas; Marva Jacobs, honorary consul of Guyana; David Cutting, honorary consul of Barbados; Dr. Clover Hall, Atlanta Jamaican Association vice president; and Saurel Quettan, Georgia Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce president.
Music, dancing and food elevated the experience with performances by steel drum musician Nico G. and the Caribbean Dancers of Atlanta. Passengers and guests alike tried sumptuous bites from Papi’s Cuban Grill.
National Caribbean-American Heritage Month passed in 2006 to recognize the “significance of Caribbean people and their descendants in the history and culture of the United States.”
More than 250,000 people in Georgia identify as Caribbean or Caribbean-American.
Dwan Bosman has been playing the saxophone since the age of 15, inspired by a deep-rooted tutelage reaching back to his grandfather. Initially playing the clarinet and bass clarinet at the age of 12, his interest was to be classically trained. But at 15, he listened to John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme” and became infatuated with straight-ahead jazz. Charlie Parker, Sonny Stitt, The Bosman Twins, Julian “Cannonball” Adderley, Grover Washington Jr., Miles Davis, Kenny Garrett, David Sanborn and GiGi Gryce have been his most poignant influences. His love affair with straight-ahead jazz continues, nevertheless he is limitless and versatile in his talent with an eclectic mix of genres played. Dwan Bosman is the embodiment of live performance, having done so for more than 30 years across the nation and abroad. Performing regularly at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport for “The Sounds of Southern Hospitality” program, Bosman resonates with everyone he serenades, whether a disgruntled infant or mature traveler. With his exceptional ability to play and entertain any gender, age group, race and nationality as part of the cast of a corporate band, performing with a headliner, or being the headliner himself, this premier saxophonist has traveled all paths of the musician walk. Dwan Bosman will take you on a musical excursion not to be forgotten.
Guitarist Bill Hatcher is an Atlanta-based musician who’s been performing since 1974. He’s performed with the Atlanta Symphony, Atlanta Opera, Atlanta Ballet, Alliance Theater and numerous others. As a studio musician, Hatcher has performed on more than 3,000 local recording sessions.
Saxophonist, educator, music lover, songwriter, and artist, Ron James is a one-of-a-kind musician with a smooth, soulful sound that is guaranteed to delight your ears! To hear more, support his projects “I Feel Ya” and “SIMPLE” by purchasing CDs or downloading them at Amazon, iTunes and Google Play.
One of Atlanta’s most versatile musicians and entertainers, Don McBroom is an established, long-time fixture of the area’s music scene. His extensive career includes onstage appearances and performances with members of such recording artists as .38 Special, Mother’s Finest, Blackfoot, The Georgia Satellites, Roger McGuinn and many others. Additionally, Don has played locally with bands such as The Heat, Citizen Cain, Starshower, and The Crush, and he is also a classically-trained pipe organist. With a wealth of musical experience, McBroom has honed his talents in vocals, keyboard technique, guitar stylings, and state-of-the-art computer programming. Don’s skill and flexibility allow for a well-rounded, tailored approach to perfectly suit your musical requirements. These elements – combined with his personality, humor, and stage presence – are what makes Don McBroom one of the best entertainers in the Southeast!
Lambert’s passion for the violin started just before his 3rd birthday when he first picked up the family fiddle. Ever since, he’s barely set it down. Raised in a small town north of Sonoma County, California, Lambert was heavily influenced by his musical family. He quickly developed his passion for playing and became active in the local music scene, playing with local artists and developing his own distinctive style. Lambert’s musical skill as a symphonic violinist is known throughout the region and he performs regularly with the Atlanta Symphony and Savannah Philharmonic. He is also in demand as performer and studio musician in popular and commercial arenas. He enjoys touring , including with some of his favorite rock, country, and bluegrass bands. Kenny has shared the stage with Yo Yo Ma, Joshua Bell, Robin Thicke, Marc Anthony, Wynonna Judd, The Whiskey Gentry and Casting Crowns. He as also recorded and performed on several film and television projects including “The Originals,” “Sleepy Hollow,” and “Stranger Things.” He has performed in all major venues in Atlanta and most major U.S. city arenas. In 2012, Lambert won the Georgia State Championship fiddle contest and was crowned the Georgia Mountain Fiddle King.
Michelle Winters is currently a student at Georgia State University earning her degree in violin performance. Not only is she an accomplished classical violinist, she is also an electric violinist and can play music anywhere from rock to EDM. Winter’s commitment to providing excellent music can be heard all the way from local churches and restaurants to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, where she was featured in the Atlanta Journal Constitution for soothing stressed travelers. She can also be seen and heard in various television and movie mediums, such as local news stations and the film, “Pitch Perfect 3”.
